1. Lying
Although it's tempting, it doesn't work. By all means gloss over the unflattering things. But out-right fibbing NEVER pays.
Mark Twain said: "If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything." Think about it. They will catch you out later.
2. Slating your current company or boss
Fedup with your current job and would give anything to leave becausethey've treated you badly? Your job interview is NOT the time to seekrevenge. Bear in mind that the interviewer will be listening to youranswers and thinking about what it would be like to work with you. Askyourself: do you like working with people who constantly criticiseothers? Isn't it a bit wearing? The trouble is that the interviewerdraws massive conclusions from your answers. So your throwaway commentabout your boss or employer may be interpreted to be your "standard"way of thinking. It makes you look bad, not your employer.
3. Being Rude
Ifyou find you were accidentally rude, then apologise calmly andgenuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of theinterview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance. What's"rude"? Well, that depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoidcracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and beware of beingtoo "pally" with the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. Afterall, you're not in the pub with them. So stay professional. Also bearin mind that everyone you meet could be involved in the selectionprocess. So blanking the receptionist or talking down to the juniormembers of staff could cost you the job.
4. Complaining
Ok,so your train journey might have been a nightmare and maybe you thoughtthe tube would never arrive, or the tailbacks on the motorway wereendless. But your interviewer doesn't want to know that!
Complaining,even in jest, is not a recommended icebreaker. It may be completelyharmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don't letcomplaining set the tone for the interview!
5. Talking about people you don't get on with at work
Thesedays, it's common to be asked how you deal with conflict. Companiesrealise the importance of interpersonal relationships in the workingenvironment. So if they ask you about difficult people or situations,make sure you hold back from character assassination and blaming othersfor problems because it won't do you any favours! If you accidentallydo "break" this rule, apologise and explain what you "really" meant.
6. Not Being Prepared
Re-readthe relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before theinterview. You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what theywrote on their CV. And if you remember what type of person the jobadvert was looking for, it's easier to demonstrate that you have thosequalities.
Makesure you've brought with you anything you were asked for. It's fine tobring a note-pad and pen, but make sure they're tidy. It's even ok tobring notes with you; particularly if you have any questions you wantto ask. It shows you're taking the job application seriously.Ill-prepared candidates rarely get job offers.
7. Appearing to be too nervous, or too confident
Ifyou appear too nervous they'll think you're not confident enough to dothe job. However, appearing too confident will make them think youwon't fit into the team. If interview nerves are an issue for you, it'sworth getting practical help from a professional, such as an interviewcoach.
8. Making a weak first impression
Unfortunately,no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of "don't want to hirethem" decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If youmake a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclinedto overlook "imperfections" in your answers.
9. Not having researched the company
Asa general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expectyou to have done your homework. Researching the company shows you'reserious about the job.
10. Putting your foot in it and not noticing
Yes,we know, you didn't mean to put your foot in it. But it doesn't reallymatter what you intended. What counts is how the other person reacts.So what can you do? Be prepared to simply say "sorry, that's not what Imeant!" This requires you to actually be paying attention to theinterviewer, rather than your own thoughts and feelings. Once you'veapologised, leave it there, take a deep breath to help you relax andmove on with the job interview.
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